How These Country Stars Overcame Tragedy

Some people go through unthinkable tragedy. Country stars are no exception — they’re people too.

But tragedy reveals a person’s true self. Here are some country music stars who have overcome immense tragedy — their resilience provides some inspirational stories for us to learn from.

George Strait’s Daughter

Strait and Jennifer (photo from straitfever.homestead.com)

Back in 1986, George and Norma Strait lost their first child, Jennifer Strait. Born on October 6, 1972, she died in a one-car accident at the age of just 13.

Instead of wallowing in sorrow, George started the Jenifer Lynn Strait Foundation, an organization that donates money to children’s charities in San Antonio.

Gary Allan’s Wife Commits Suicide

Allan and his family (photo from ocoeefoundersfestival.org)

After three years of marriage, Gary Allan lost his wife, Angela Herzberg, to suicide. On October 25, 2004, she shot herself while Gary and their kids were home.

But through the grief, he found that music was therapeutic for him. It helped him get through those tough times.

Eddie Montgomery Loses a Son

Montgomery and Hunter (photo from www.kentucky.com)

Eddie’s son Hunter died in September 2015 from an accident that put him in the ICU. Hunter was 19 and had recently become a father.

But Eddie kept up the fight in life. He battled and beat cancer, went through a divorce, lost his record deal, and filed for bankruptcy.

But he kept kicking: his duo Montgomery Gentry is touring and making music.

Blake Shelton Loses His Brother

Shelton and RIchie (photo from radaronline.com)

Shelton lost his 24-year-old brother, Richie, in a car accident when he was just 14.

“I lost my brother in a car wreck when I was 14 years old,” Shelton said during his 2012 CMA Awards acceptance speech. “Later in life, when I decided I wanted to be a country singer, my dad always told me, ‘Son, you should write a song about your brother.’ I lost my dad in January, and it’s so amazing to me that tonight — even after he’s gone — he’s still right.”

“He’s still my hero going strong,” he wrote on Twitter. “Wish everyone could’ve known him.”

Luke Bryan’s Late Siblings

Bryan honoring his late siblings (photo from blakefm.com)

Not one, but two of Bryan’s siblings died as young people. His brother, Chris, died in a car accident. Shortly after Bryan’s Grand Ole Opry debut, his sister, Kelly died from unkown causes.

“You can lean on friends and family through it,” he told ABC News. “And you can get back life.”

He continued: “If me telling my story moves people down a positive path of hope and getting up out of the bed and getting back going, then, you know, it’s certainly worth telling.”

Craig Morgan Loses His Son

Morgan and Jerry (photo from tasteofcountry.com)

Morgan lost his 19-year-old son, Jerry, earlier this year in July — Jerry drowned in a tubing accident on a Tennessee river.

Despite this, Morgan posted this on his Facebook page:

“The loss of our son Jerry is the hardest thing we have ever had to endure as a family. Karen and I are so grateful for all of the wonderful people who have shown us unwavering support during this difficult time… Additionally, we cannot thank the music and outdoor communities enough for wrapping their arms around us, as well as our industry friends, fans, and all those that loved our son. We are blessed by the outpouring of prayers and condolences from across the world.

“Jerry may be gone from this earth, and we will miss him every day, but his spirit will live on in our hearts. We will find peace knowing that God has a bigger plan, and that one day, we’ll be reunited with him again in Heaven. John 3:16.”